So, did March happen? Didn't think so. Not that I am complaining, one month down towards the summer countdown, and only two more weeks until Easter (and chocolate) arrives. My Instagram has taken a spring like theme for sure recently, and London has done well with the Instagram worthy scenery. Even better when I got a Claridges visit and a glass of champagne in over the past few weeks, and I am just hope I didn't look too much like a tourist (in my own city) snapping away. Although I am not sure why which worse, trees in Notting Hill or Claridge's door mat? Oh the shame...

What have you been up to recently?

26.3.15

Okay. So I really can't keep up with Makeup Revolutions palettes. Eyes, face or blushers, I am lost. Yet this I ♡ Makeup Naked Underneath Palette (£7.99) caught my eye. The reason? Its furry, and in the middle of that black fur is clear crystal-cut heart. Shallow? Totally.

I normally can sense the theme with Makeup Revolutions palette, but the I ♡ Makeup Naked Underneath Palette has me stumped. With names like Meow, Free and 2004, I can't figure this one out. Made up of sixteen eye shadows, in a range of neutral golds, coppers and even some dark jewel toned shades, which of course I just love by looking at them. There is nothing like a good neutral palette to get me excited. Six of these shades have a matte finish, whilst slightly annoyingly for my non shimmer tastes, ten have this metallic finish. This is obviously just my personal preference as I adore mattes, but I do realise I am in the minority here. I so don't have the face for shimmers.

All 16 are soft, buttery and blendable like expected with Makeup Revolution, and again as I could of predicted (yep, I've tried that many Makeup Revolution palettes) the mattes are slightly more chalky than the shimmers, but nothing to cause issues.

Have you tried the Makeup Revolution I ♡ Makeup Naked Underneath Palette?

24.3.15

If you've ever read any of my beauty box posts, you'll know I'm not their biggest fan. And there are only a few I deem acceptable, and not full of rubbish and samples I could pick up myself, free of charge of course. But then Cohorted happened, and their previous box sold out so quickly I just had to try this latest beauty box to come into the world.

Those of you who are not familiar with Cohorted, they are an online beauty retailer who provide well known brands such as Urban Decay, Benefit, MAC, NARS, Dolce & Gabbana and Real Techniques, for a much nicer price, and one I can justify buying items at. So to say that my expectations where high with this box is a understatement, and I was practically expecting my makeup collection to improve ten fold just from this box. But did it happen? Lets see.

Initially I assumed this was a cream, being a night treatment, but to my surprise this is a loose powder...yep, a powder to reduce the appearance of pores whilst giving your skin a glow and also increases cell turnover which helps the skin perfect itself. The concept of this sounds perfect, I can go to sleep and look perfectly made up guilt-free. But even though this is meant to be kind clinically proven to reduce the appearance of pores without any clogging, I've been way too scared to try this. Wimp I know, its only makeup. However, I do adore BareMinerals, and I think it’s pretty impressive that Cohorted have included a full sized tub as the price of this normally is £45. Ouch.

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara | Travel Size 3ml.

I've only tried the Urban Decay naked palettes (who hasn't?), but their Perversion Mascara has been on my wish list for a while now, so Cohorted gave me a right smile when this mascara claiming to give you bigger, blacker, and badder lashes turned up in the box. The formula of this is super thick, and very black, and while this wasn't the most dramatic mascara I've tried, its a very nice addition to my collection.

Too Faced Exotic Colour Eye Shadow | Full Size 15ml £15

I never buy single eyeshadows, as I've just said I am a bit of a Urban Decay Naked palette addicted, but that doesn't mean I wasn't excited for this flower cased Copper Peony eye shadow from Too Faced exotic collection. This eye shadow comes in a beautiful metallic golden cooper shade with lots of shimmer (ermm..) and is rather strong. Saying that, this gold is surprisingly flattering on, and didn’t lose any of it’s sparkle when I was blending it out. A very good evening colour, and not a bad single eyeshadow to keep my palettes company.

Sleek Face & Body Precious Metals Highlighter | Full Size £9.99

Sleek is one of my favourite high street brand for face makeup, and theirface form contouring kit is my holy grail, so this Precious Metals Highlighter Palette did cause a slight squeal of excitement. Aiming to create a gorgeous all-over shimmer and complexion enhancing glow, this is the highlight (excuse the pun) of this Cohorted Beauty Box.

Within this are four colours which I would imagine would complement lighter/mid skin tones with three cream formulas and one powder. The three cream shades vary in tone ranging from a pearly champagne colour to two more slightly golden warmer shades, whilst the powder highlighter is a little more on the bronze side. Luckily for my highlighting novice self, there is a little guide on the back of exactly where to put each shade. All are so pigmented, even the lighter shades, almost too much as I would imagine creating a disco ball look would be just too easy with this one. Precious Metals has defiantly become a partner in crime to my contour kit from Sleek.

So as you might of guessed, this Cohorted Beauty Box the March Edition has gone down very well with me, and I can see just why it sold out so quickly. Price wise, this £19.99 box is worth £70 and while its not packed with items, it does included three full sized products alongside one sample, which by beauty box standards is a very good deal. And yes I am keeping this black box, hello new bedroom storage.

What do you think of the Cohorted Beauty Box, the March Edition?

22.3.15

We all have those days (or weeks) were our skin is totally against us, no matter what we do. During these times there a few items that I call out into in hope my skin will redeem itself. Unfortunately they are all higher end items, so please share your skincare SOS favourites with me. Once you've read mine first of course....

First is is my spot saviour, the Clinique On The Spot Treatment. This is a pretty multi purpose treatment, being able to be used over and under face creams, as well as foundations. The clear gel sinks right up and as expected does sting if my spot is particularly angry (or been squeezed, but shh), forming a almost cling film like layer.

Next is the REN Rosa Centifolia Hot Cloth Cleanser. this hot cloth cleanser is completely different to any other I’ve used before. This is more of a smooth, light and milky cream, compared to the often heavy balm like ones that often make a appearance. The hot cloth enclosed (not pictured as its laying soaking wet in my bathroom) is really soft but also sort of textured, providing a gentle exfoliation. My delicate sensitive little face has been loving the replenished feeling, and has handled a double cleanse without feeling stripped. This is defiantly the hot cloth cleanser for sensitive skinned people.

Last, and by no means least is my newest addition to my bathroom cupboard, the Nuxe Crème Fraiche de Beauté Mask. This range has existed since the late nineties apparently, and aimed this range at sensitive, dehydrated skin. Unlike most, or all masks I've tried, you apply a layer of this light moisturiser-eqsue over your face, leave it for 10 minutes and then massage your face, leaving the masks to kind of roll off your face. Sorry for the lack of proper terminology there. The results from this mask have been absolutely amazing, no dry skin in sight and my face just feels moisturised and supple for days after I use this. Apparently you can store this one in the fridge too to make it feel extra refreshing, but my fridge may be too full at the moment with a pre-Easter chocolate haul for me to try this. Priorities right there.

What are your Skincare SOS Favourites?

20.3.15

Irrelevant image. But then who actually has one of them mascara shopping?

I need new mascara. Well, I always need new mascara. And even though its my favourite makeup item, every shopping trip is never a easy one. I faff around and take a entire afternoon just decide what my eyelashes will be wearing for the next few weeks. Ultimately, every mascara shopping trip will end up like this...

1. Initial attraction to the model with amazing lashes. Oh wait, they are false lashes.

2. The grab of the prettiest tube, and then 5 more in the process.

3. Getting sidetracked by the oh so glittery new nail polishes.

4. The moment of thinking mascaras just all do the same thing anyway. Right?

5. Eye up what the girl next to me is buying, after staring at her lashes. Obviously.

6. Catching a glimpse of myself in the bright light and deciding I also need new foundation. Erugh I am orange.

7. But this is a plastic wand, will that hurt?

8. No. I’ll stick to the traditional wand, no gimmicks.

9. Eww, is that blue mascara. We are so not in the 90's anymore.

10. Ooh, this one lengthens. I need that. But wait, will it give me spider legs?

11. No, I’ll go for volume, everyone loves volume.

12. But what if it gives no length? No point in that.

13. You know what, I’ll open them up and check the formula, that will help.

14. Oh wait, they are sealed…maybe if I am sneaky I can open it...

15. Nope, the security guard is looking. Abort abort.

16. Okay, this one is on offer and claims volume, length and definition.

17. But there is my favourite mascara, and I know its good...

18. Stop it. Stop it. You have faffed enough now.

And finally. Depending on my bravery, either ending leaving the shop sweating but with a brand new mascara, or going home with the tube of my old faithful. Well if it isn’t broke...

18.3.15

So I am right in guessing everyone has read at least fifty reviews now on the Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash which has just been released? Yep, thought so. But seeing as mascara is my thing so I thought I would be allowed to add another review into the mix.

Now, I have the totally wrong lashes for this mascara apparently, designed for shorter straight lashes, my long curly lashes (don't hate me) are not meant to be matched with Roller Lash, but as I just adore Benefits They're Real mascara there was no way I was not buying this. Well, buying Elle Magazine and grabbing the free sample really. Roller Lash is meant to do just that, and 'roll' the mascara on your lashes and grabbing them leaving lashes separated, lifted and curled. All with a curve-setting formula that is meant to hold for 12 hours.

It doesn't claim to offer volume, so this point is well, pointless, but this overly wet formula coated my lashes wondering if it was going to slip right off. It was that wet. Once dried, and mascara eyelid mess cleaned up, my lashes were certainly longer (can't judge curliness) and defined. This 'Hook ‘n’ Roll' brush did grab my lashes well, and my bottom lashes benefited highly from this new slightly pirate sounding brush.

Not a patch on They're Real, which would be the one mascara I would highly recommend from Benefit, but I just don't think this is worth the £19.50. Not for me anyway, and I'll be leaving the rollers strictly for my hair.

Have you tried Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Mascara?

17.3.15

Yves Rocherare one brand I didn't want to like. Well, who wants to admit their mother was right? Especially about skincare, that is my forte, not hers. But its seem she was right about this, as Yves Rocher have become my new skincare favourites.

They have a new range out, the Serum Vegetal (yes I thought it was vegetable too) consisting of the two creams I've been using the Sérum Végétal Wrinkles and Radiance Day Cream and the Sérum Végétal Wrinkles and Firmness Night Cream. Although apparently not containing vegetables, but a even more elusive ingredient mesembryanthemum crystallinum. Or otherwise known as the crystalline ice, or life plant supposedly. Now I can't, and won't, comment on the science behind this duo (which is explained professionally here) and get onto the important stuff. This creamy yet light duo feel like you're spreading goodness onto you skin, and it feels like you can hear your skin thanking you. The night cream may be too heavy for some, especially those of you who aren't a fan of the thicker creams. But for me? I'd keep layering it on till you can't see my skin.

This stuff frankly is amazing, and worth the price tag luckily, as it just sinks in without leaving that dreaded grease trail behind. The texture of my skin seems to of improved as well, being much smoother and of course I can't quite comment on my wrinkle reduction as my age does still have a few good points, but I do believe prevention is better than cure. The only downside of this duo is the price, and yes they are at the higher end. Saying that, at moment you can get both for £21, as a buy one get on free offer, so you're practically stealing it. But, skincare (and mascara) is something for me that is worth the investment. I just hope in 20 years time my skin agrees.

Have you tried the Yves Rocher Sérum Végétal Range?

*PR Sample/Gift

15.3.15

As I'm yet to find a branch to go with my cup, I borrowed the image from here.

Potentially this may be a reflection of how much procrastination has taken part this week, but there has been a few things I've read during in the past few days that I thought would be a excellent topic in my What I've Been Loving This Week posts. Even if I must say so myself. So as the saying goes, lets not beat around the bush.

She's So Lucy | Oh I do love a new blog find. And especially when it features food. Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Fudge? I think I can handle this sort of reading material...

Wrap.Me Photo Wraping Paper | You might of seen on my Instagram last week I got the best surprise ever. My Instagram on wrapping paper, does life get much better? I didn't even know this sort of company existed, as printing my face on things generally hasn't crossed my mind (honestly), but Wrap.Me have changed this unknown need in my life.

A Girl, Obsessed - 26 You're Doing Wrong With Your Blog post. I won't say quite how many of these I am guilty of, but you need to have read of this yourself. And cringe. Why isn't this on handouts when you start blogging? Blogger/Wordpress - take note please.

The Persephone Complex| Not only has Holly has nipple tassels on her Twitter header photo unnoticed for months (yes you need to see that one), she has also become my latest girl crush. Stunning hair and face? Yep. A piecing I love yet am no where near cool enough to pull off? Yep. And a amazing blog? Hat trick right there.

The Elle Next Door | Erm, so another girl crush, but Ellie really has fashion, beauty, food and life down to a tee. And no offence, just who looks that good in head to toe Fat Face? Pfft. No one does, thats the answer. One blog worth the read if you can handle the envy, I just make sure that I don't click on the days I'm lounging around in my PJ's...oh wait...

What have you been loving this week?

13.3.15

So, for such a makeup addict, I hate admitting there are still a list of tricks, items and routines I am yet to figure out. For whatever reason, whether it be forgetting, too little time or just lack of talent. Maybe I am using this post as a form a self therapy, but hopefully at some point in the near future none of this list will be a issue.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer | In my world, life is just too short to use eyeshadow primer. I've never seen a difference. Or its just the fact I am way too impatient to wait for one second for it to dry could be the reason.

Curling My Eyelashes | I know I know. For a mascara blog admitting this is a faux pas is a understatement. And cue the first world problem here, but when I curl my lashes they go wonky and rather strange looking. They do not curl, they do anything but.

Bronzing Primer | I am one of those girls who continually gets 'are you ill' comments. No, just no fake tan. So really I need to use this more, no orange face comes of this, but it just makes me look like I have been out the house at some point this year. Yet this just sits on my dressing table looking alone.

Benefit High Brow| I literally just forget this. I spend so much time doing my eye makeup that time I get to my eyebrows I am in a rush to finish. I think better time planning could be the answer here. Or just sellotape it to my mirror.

Makeup Revolution Blush Sticks| Not singling out Makeup Revolution, this is just blusher in general as since getting these blush sticks I release I do like pink blush. But remembering to apply it? Rarely. And not making myself look overly flushed? Not yet.

What makeup tricks are you yet to master?

12.3.15

Sexy Mother Pucker Lipgloss from Soap and Glory. One memory from a few years ago. You know what I mean, that gloss you used to apply that made your lips feel like they were going to either drop off or implode from tingling. And its now back in my makeup bag in the form of Mother Pucker Lipstick in Supernude.

Admittedly Soap and Glory wasn't a brand I was expected to find my latest lipstick from, but after the promise of a matte yet moisturising finish all thanks to their ‘3D-Plump' technology with ‘peptide complex to tone and plump', I just couldn't resist. Normally more of a MAC Myth girl, this nude is a step into the brown world for me, being a warmed toned nude that gives the your 'lips but better' look. Well, that is the look I'm hoping for.

Regardless, I have fallen head over heels for this shade, and the its a trusty matte finish. This surprisingly doesn't dry out my lips either giving that cardboard look, and it just slides right not my lips from the bullet with ease. Other mattes take note. I don't use a lipliner with this lipstick either because it simply isn't needed. Yet I am sure my Chanel Lip Liner will be paired up with this some time in the near future.

I didn’t notice any of the plumping or tingling effects like in the name. But thank God, as my teenage self abused that way too much for it to ever be a good thing. That being said I do think my lips seem fuller...or perhaps its just the marketing and advertising psychology working nicely on me. But after my recent vibrating mascara (yes seriously) I am glad to have a 'normal' item to pull out in the ladies bathrooms.

Have you tried the Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Lipstick?

10.3.15

Not often beauty boxes grab my attention to the point I don't shut up about them, but when I received the Get The Gloss Beauty Insider's Kitlast month, it happened. I won't start again, but it was one awfully good box. So of course there was no way I was saying no to the The Glamour Spring Edit from Latest In Beauty. This one is all about spring and they have gotten Glamour Beauty Director Alessendra Steinherr to give her 9 top picks for the new season...so, lets see whats inside this box.

Kiko Long Lasting Stick Eyeshadow| Not sure why eyeshadow sticks have totally slid past me, as being quick and easy to apply that is normally something that appeals. Lucky this Kiko offering is highly pigmented with a creamy formula that may of just started a love affair with sticks.

ModelCo Crème-Rouge Cheek & Lips | Anything that takes up less room in my bag is very welcomed by me, and its one less thing to lose of course. And this new ModelCo lip to cheek item is a very nice addition. I just need to brave up to brights and actually wear it.

Beauty UK High Brow All In One Brow Definition Kit | Anything for my eyebrows I'll try. And even though I'm not too well experienced with Beauty UK this set of three powder shades, eyebrow wax, plus an applicator and mini tweezers is actually very nice. Hello Benefit Brow Zings dupe...

Elie Saab L’Eau Couture(0.8ml, so tiny) | Oh Elie. I adore your dresses. So your perfume is very welcomed, and being the mixture of; orange blossom, green almond, bergamot and vanilla, I almost feel like I'm wearing her gowns. Just need to surgically remove myself from my baggy oversized jumpers first.

Again, Latest In Beauty have really wowed me. There is the perfect balance of high end and budget brands, plus plenty of full size items to keep me quiet and made up. The Glamour Spring Edit is £16.99, and being worth £99 I think this is one beauty box that truly deserves some credit. You might just want to avoid me in person for the next month while I harp on about this however.

8.3.15

The minute we enter March my entire mood changes, and I jump into spring regardless of the actual weather. Especially as I am in fact writing this not being able to hear a thing due to the rain hammering down on my conservatory. Hey ho. And we know the springtime cliche, pastel and often pink nails, and both have firmly made themselves known in my house.

First up are the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polishes in Pinky Promise and Chalked Up. Pinky Promise stuck to the promise and delivered a gorgeous mid pink shade. While Chalked Up is more of a pastel purple. These are from their new range of 47 shades and a top coat, designed to give that gel look without a lamp. I won't go into a full review, but these two polishes are seriously good. Wide brushes, thick formula and colour that does unmistakably stay on for around 10 days chip-less have made Sally Hansen my new favourite nail polish brand. Big claim right there I know.

Next is the Barry M in Rosehip, as every nail polish post needs a Barry M shade. This is the 'poor mans' Sally Hansen for me. These Gellys are thicker than regular polishes, yet this creamy pale pink really can't compare to the Sally Hansens. Although I am sure my purse would rather me prefer these Barry M ones.

Lastly is Essie's Sugar Daddy, and oh how I don't put Essie down, and this crossover shade already made an appearance in my Going Nude This Winter post. But technically being pink I just have to mention it again, especially as I've not stopped wearing this, and its without a doubt my failsafe shade.And even though is a shimmery pink shade, it looks just as pretty with one coat applied as it does with three. So not only can the pale colour mean I can be lazy with chips, I can also just apply the one.

This would also be excellent picks for a certain upcoming Mothers Days (15th March F.Y.I), or just for yourself...and I'm thinking the latter, as well, Mums just don't like cliches, do they?

What are your favourite pink nail polishes?

5.3.15

You know when find a dupe for a item and you can't actually believe the company has gotten away with it? Well that is defiantly the case with the Makeup Revolution Iconic Pro 1 Palette. Hello a nicer cheaper version of the pretty famous Lorac Pro Palette. Now I've not tried either so I can't compare them at all, but after a bit of research its safe to saw this is very much on par.

Saying that, I almost throw out part of this palette before I realised quite what it was. I sighed at another plastic-y unless brush with the odd sponge applicator than no one who works in beauty would of invented. Then luckily I noticed that Makeup Revolution have scrapped them and included their Pro 1989 Double-ended Eyeshadow Brush. This matte finish on the packaging is much classier that the shiny plastic of most Makeup Revolution items, and has that 'pro' feel, like the name does suggest.

The top row contains 8 mattes and the bottom row contains 8 shimmers, which if you know me you'll know I'm not fussed on the shimmers which are a tad too chalky and have too much fall out for me. And that the fact they shimmer, slight issue there. That being said, the range of shades in this palette is pretty much faultless, and being a range of traditional neutral shades this has made up for the slight lack of pigmentation in the shimmers. And the names of the colours themselves are cute with Ghost, Dawn and Breathe being the standouts for me.

Again, like most of Makeup Revolution this is another product well worth the £6.99. Especially if you're like me and seem to of fallen behind with theLorac Pro Palette trend (must be my age), you can get yourself back up to date with this £6.99 version. I'll just be spending my day figuring quite how Makeup Revolution did this...

Have you tried the Makeup Revolution Iconic Pro 1 Palette?

3.3.15

My hairs length is one thing that is never consistent with me, thanks to hair extensions of course. My shoulder length fine hair actually stays the same, but it varies from my natural length right down to near my waist, and not so natural. And at the moment I am a fan of the not so natural look, so trying out ClipHair Extensions couldn't of come at a better time.

I opted for20 Inch Double Wefted Full Head Remy Clip in Human Hair Extensions - Ash Brown/Bleach Blonde Mix(£74.99) on arrival (the next day hurrah) I was pleased to see they are a perfect match. With a girl on the packaging that does look remarkably like a young Rachel Stevens (Sclub 7 of course). They do offer a free colour match service, but I was living life on the edge that day and just decided to risk it. For some reason they actually seem to look entirely different colours in these photos (typical) but if you're going for this colour I'd say ignore the photos with me in, as my lighting must of been dodgy, as they are not that blonde.

There are 8 pieces in the set, with three clips per weft, two four inch wide wefts with two clips per weft and four two inch wide wefts with 1 clip per weft, and to top this off they are 100% human Remy hair. You only have to do a little Google to see this is the best kind of extension hair, and as well as being cuticle correct, remy hair has a natural sheen to it. The clips are a good size as well, they are not too small that they don't grip and slip out your hair, nor are they too big that you can feel them or see them when their clipped in, even with my fine hair.

The hair itself is thick, even if they do thin out towards the ends slightly, it was nothing a quick style couldn't fix. Its incredibly hard to find hair extensions that look natural, and that is the main thing I look for when I get them, and regardless of my love for length, I need them to look like I could of grown my hair that long. AndClipHair Extensions have done that perfectly. So for now, full volume extensions are back in my life, I just better be careful how I flick my 20 inches of hair.

1.3.15

My hair is stupidly kinky, and not in a way that any person would ever want. For hair thats so fine you really wouldn't think it could be bothered to stick out and bend in every direction possible (expect where I want to go). So finding something that can help and maybe even be the cure for as little as £3.50, was a secret I almost didn't want to share. But enter the Phil Smith Super Smooth range, my new saviour.

I have both theSuper Smooth Shampoo (£3.50) andSuper Smooth Conditioner (also £3.50) packaged in green bottles I won't be losing anytime soon, and with Keratin Proteins to help smooth down my hair and add some shine. Being blonde shine is just a mysterious term for me and I would never expect it from any product, but both these products do seem to calm down my hair to a more manageable level. I did expect my hair to be greasy and lank after using these, but luckily my negative self got a nice surprise and there was no grease to be seen, and I can honestly say my hair is much smoother since I've used this duo. My only disappointment (minus my hair no long has kinky days...) is that the shampoo & conditioner itself wasn't that bright green...just imagine that...